LEFT, right, hollow, peak, wall, cutback, closeout, fast-breaking, top to bottom, glassy, swell, sand bar or reef. The words regularly used by surfers can be confusing to the uninitiated, but to those who know all of these words relate to waves.
But then comes a whole lot of other descriptors relating solely to surfboards: rails, rocker, width, length, concave, nose, shoulder, tail, volume and fins (surf mats, surf skis and stand up paddle boards can also be included). Another genre is water wear – mainly wetsuits, booties, helmets and rash vests.
The surfing world is a community of its own and its members (participants) readily understand where a chat is going if someone mentions “it was head high and glassy with no one else out”.
The chatter and in-water bravado (past or recent) will be aired long and loud at the Point Leo Vintage Surf Day on Sunday 26 October. The day has been held five times over the past 15 years and event coordinator Phil Newman promises this year’s event to be “bigger than ever”. He said there will be more than 40 exhibitors displaying vintage surfboards for sale as well as classic surfing memorabilia, classic surf wagons, Kombis, hot rods and other classic cars.
The day also raises money for the Disabled Surfers Association’s Mornington Peninsula branch.
“Proceeds will help in supporting this worthy cause which has been allowing disabled kids and adults to experience the pure joy of surfing,” Newman said. There will be food available, music, board auctions and a range of surf related items for sale and viewing.
Point Leo Vintage Surf Day starts at 10am at Point Leo on Sunday 26 October, with exhibitors setting up from 7.30am. Intending exhibitors can still be included by contacting Phil Newman at newms09@bigpond.com. or calling 59898402.
First published in the Mornington News – 14 October 2025
